My name is Leif and I am two years old.

So...Tantrums.

This is a fun new development, one I knew was coming. I was vaguely hoping that our *superb* (sarcasm! sarcasm!) parenting skills would guide Leif into a calm and complacent toddlerhood. Alas, not to be.

He's always been strong willed and very vocal, but it's nothing compared to the last couple of days. When told "Nope, sorry" for basically anything he launches into this painful shriek. Followed by blowing raspberries while red in the face. Finally flopping himself onto the ground while pumping his fists. It is honestly the most hilarious thing I've ever seen - and I do my best to not laugh out loud.

This morning it happened on three occasions:

1) He wants to eat my waffle. The exact same one he has on his plate. I say "Leif, there is your food. This is my food. Don't touch it." He pushes his plate away and starts screaming. Oy vey.

2) We are getting in the car. He insists on driving. I say "Leif, you can't drive the car. Sorry." More convulsions, screaming, and spitting of raspberries. Hello? I'm arguing with my two year old about him driving the car? Isn't this a bit premature?

3) At the grocery store. He wants to get some cheese. I let him get one and put it in the cart. He wants another one. I say "Leif, just one cheese. Put the other one back." Screaming, fish flopping on the floor, trying to hit me in the face. Onlookers gasp at my lack of parenting skills.

I'm not interested in the "ignore it" philosophy. I think we feel pretty good about being firm with whatever issue is at hand and then helping him learn how to calm down. I try to think of it as an opportunity to explore anger and frustration - God knows I throw tantrums often enough. Being out in public is difficult, but that is nothing new.

Britton said something to me the other day that made me happy:

"I love seeing him throw tantrums. It's like he is really there, actually present, with his willfulness and unwillingness to accept something is out of reach. He isn't broken!".

And it's so true. I know it's going to be a hard phase to survive with our humor and patience intact, but if I can survive 18 months of no more than 3 hours of sleep at a time then I can definitely survive tantrums.